MANAGING difficult drivers is a burden for fleet managers and can cause unnecessary stress for those involved.

Complaints over car allocation, unpaid penalty fines and wear and tear on vehicles are all issues which can arise.

According to one business college when dealing with difficult drivers, fleet managers should be able to say no in a ‘good way’, spot manipulative behaviour and ensure support is there when needed.

A spokesman for BiteSize Seminars, which runs courses on managing difficult behaviour, said: ‘Other people’s behaviour can often lead to conflict, stress and resentment. These are common problems but your ability to positively influence people with confidence, while maintaining self respect is crucial to be efficient in the workplace.’

Top tips

  • Approach the individual in private
  • Listen, don’t argue
  • Confront and deal with the problem behaviour, not the person
  • State the issues once
  • If at a stalemate, postpone until another mutually agreed time
  • If the behaviour continues, it may be necessary to involve HR